The Bible warns that Satan has been permitted to release his lies in an overt effort to deceive the entire human population.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, 8  but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. 9  And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:7-9 (ESV) 

His lies began in the Garden of Eden and continue today in an unprecedented way, as his minions use all the tools of media and computer generated images to weave a shroud of deception over the world. There are alternative sources of information from the mainstream media, but even they often are guilty of deception. This is because sin has made us all deceivers, going back to Adam and Eve, who bought the lie that God did not have their best interests in mind. Since then the truth has always been questioned and lies are easily believed. That is the human condition.

It is only by God’s mercy and grace that anyone is able to escape this “matrix” of deception. The Holy Spirit is called the “Spirit of truth,” and he works inside those whom God has called to himself to open their eyes and ears and hearts to perceive and believe the truth.

Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: “‘“You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 15  For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’ 16  But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.  Matthew 13:14-16 (ESV) 

Now those who have a God-given love of truth find themselves in a quandary. Where do we turn? What is our anchor in the storm?

As would be expected, God has given to us a benchmark of truth to which we can and must turn – the Bible. Jesus, who is God’s truth in human form, told us that the Scriptures are absolutely true and can be believed and followed.

I have given them your word, and the world has hated them, because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world 15  I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but that you keep them safe from the evil one. 16  They do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world. 17  Set them apart in the truth; your word is truth. 18  Just as you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world. 19  And I set myself apart on their behalf, so that they too may be truly set apart. John 17:14-19 (NET1) 

Love for God’s truth is what sets us apart from those in the world who are not part of God’s people. (2 Thessalonians 2:10)

Satan always works to undermine our faith in God’s Word. He did this in the Garden when he asked Eve, “Did God really say?” (Genesis 3:1) He does it now. Satan “owns” the public school system, the media, higher education, and much of the government. He uses these platforms to disseminate his lies and undermine truth and devotion to God at every level.

The only hope for us, the only anchor we have in the storm, is to rely on God’s truth that is found in the Bible and upon the Holy Spirit, the one who guides us into that truth.

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 (ESV) 

The Bible and the Spirit testify to the One who is called the Truth, our Lord Jesus Christ. All truth points to him. Ultimately, our faith must be anchored in him, a person, the full expression of God’s truth to the world. (John 14:6) Faith in him anchors us in every storm and protects us against the devil’s lies. (Hebrews 6:19)

Prayer

Jesus, I feel confused and lost in a raging sea of deception. I turn to you. The Bible says you are the Truth and the only Way to the Father. I receive you and all you did for me when you died on the cross. Thank you for forgiving my many sins, for putting me in right standing with your heavenly Father, for setting me free, and for giving me your Spirit of eternal life and freedom. I give myself to you and acknowledge that you are my Lord and Savior. Help me to live the rest of my life for you. Teach me your truth and help me to be a disciple and fisher of men. Amen.